B A L I S O J O U R N
D A Y 3
P U R A L U H U R
B A T U K A R U ·
J A T I L U W I H
P A D D Y F I E L D S ·
D E C E M B E R 1 3 2 0 1 2
P A R T 1
Pura Luhur Batukaru · Jatiluwih Paddyfields · Part 1
Day 3 was a sacred day of culture, mountains, temples, and more paddy fields. I went on a scenic drive 'off-the-beaten-track' with time to stop and appreciate the tranquil beauty of Bali, and learned a tremendous deal about Balinese farming traditions, going back to nature with a short walk into the forest, remote villages and farmland. Once past busy Denpasar, I explored the unspoiled countryside and villages along the backroads.
Travelling through thick tropical forest beneath Mount Batukaru I reached the remote Pura Luhur Batukaru (Luhur Batukaru Temple). For Balinese Hindus, this site supposedly has special mystical powers; the Besakih Temple is said to be one of the most sacred on the island, and an ideal spot to meditate.
In the fertile volcanic foothills of Batukaru Mountains I was greeted by an abundance of tropical fruits, spices, vegetables and flowers. It is no wonder that the community here is considered Bali's farming elite. For the Balinese, cultivation of land is a creative art and a communal effort, and the people of Jatiluwih have created a true masterpiece - an endless and intricate jigsaw of finely curved rice terraces in brilliant shades of green, with glistening waters, so soothing to the eye.
Photos taken using Sony NEX-F3. No edits except cropping. Click on the images below to expand. Disclaimer: The photos herein and all other albums associated with Bali Sojourn are by no means a documentary. They're all touristy snapshots.
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